Shire of Murray sends urgent letter to Main Roads voicing concerns over speed limit changes

Monday, 31 July 2023 09:32

By Monique Welhan

Paterson Road in Pinjarra. PIC: Google Maps

The Shire of Murray has sent an urgent letter to Main Roads addressing the community's concerns over recent speed limit changes in Pinjarra.

Shire of Murray President David Bolt said a number of fears have been raised by local residents since the increase of speed limits around the Pinjarra Townsite.

“The recent decision by Main Roads WA to increase a number of speed limits has significantly affected residents and road users," Councillor Bolt said.

The concerns relate to speed limit changes along Paterson Road and the South Western Highway.

Specifically, the letter requests the 90km/h speed zone along Paterson Road be relocated further north west from houses.

"This will improve the residential amenity with greater separation from the acceleration/deceleration point from the signage and residential households," a Shire of Murray statement read.

It also proposes a 90km speed zone north of 53 Mile Roadhouse to past Carcoola Avenue on the South Western Highway, before increasing to 110km.

"This would improve the road user driver environment entering or exiting the Pinjarra Town centre whilst improving intersection safety at Adelaide Road, Alcoa Road and Carcoola Avenue," the statement read.

“Our two recommendations have been reviewed by the Shire’s engineering staff and are supported by officers. If these requests are enacted by Main Roads WA, we believe the risks and local resident concerns would reduce and overall safety of the road network around the town would be improved,” Councillor Bolt said.

Main Roads WA has been contacted for comment.